animal rights

American  

plural noun

1. the rights of animals, claimed on ethical grounds, to the same humane treatment and protection from exploitation and abuse that are accorded to humans.

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animal rights British  

plural noun

1. 1. the rights of animals to be protected from exploitation and abuse by humans

   2. ( as modifier )

      the animal-rights lobby

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Etymology

Origin of animal rights

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Two other suspects are said to be at large, according to animal rights activists.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Prosecutors allege Hsiung, a 44-year-old lawyer and co-founder of two California-based animal rights groups, entered a facility that breeds dogs for medical testing and stole property: beagles.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Represented by a blue‑skinned woman wearing feather ornaments, Gaitana describes herself as an environmentalist and animal rights defender.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

A group of animal rights protestors gathered outside the court ahead of sentencing.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

In fact, his dislike for John Barling and his mission stemmed not from cynicism, but from the perspective of an animal rights activist.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley